Congratulations to the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room on repeating its title as Beef Wars champion for 2016, carrying 48 percent of the vote in the final round with its Top Sirloin Steak.

Polls closed Thursday evening.

Julio’s Restaurant and Sharkey’s Jackpot Cafe, both newcomers to the final round of our search for Carson Valley’s Signature Steak, Prime Rib or Beef Dinner, performed strongly, taking second and third place respectively.

With this monthly contest, we have created a virtual throwdown among Valley restaurants, seeking out the signature dishes Carson Valley has to offer. Through the first year, we covered burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, steaks, salads, appetizers, breakfasts, pasta, dessert and fried foods (you can see the results here).

Up next month, we’ll be renewing our search for Carson Valley’s Signature Appetizer. Keep an eye out for that contest.

Here is a closer look at all five finalists for Beef Wars 2016. As always, we encourage you to get out and try each to see for yourself which one you think should have won:

CVT BEEF WARS FINALISTS 2016

“Top Sirloin Steak” – J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room

1426 Highway 395, Gardnerville; 775-782-2074

Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4:30-9 p.m.
Served as either an entree or as the Top Sirloin Steak Sandwich (pictured), the dish is on the menu every day topped with roasted garlic. Whenever possible, the J.T. serves local beef, including steaks from the family’s Ranch One in Genoa. Ranch One beef is all natural grass fed, free of antibiotics and growth stimulants. Dinner is served with soup, salad, stew, beans, french fries, red wine, coffee & ice cream.

Julio’s Restaurant: “6 ounce Filet Mignon”

Julio’s opened last Fall and has quickly made a name for itself with its traditional filets and fine-dining atmosphere.

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Sharkey’s Casino: “Prime Rib & Lobster”

1440 Highway 395, Gardnerville; 775-782-3133

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sharkey’s Prime Rib and Lobster Special is served every Friday and Saturday starting at 4 p.m. The feast includes an 8 ounce cut of prime rib, a lobster tail, a twice-baked potato and your choice of soup or salad all for $20. Naturally, prime rib is available seven nights a week at Sharkey’s.

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CV Steak: “9 ounce Filet Mignon”

1627 US Highway 395 N, Minden; 775-783-6650

Hours: Monday-Sunday 4:30-9:30 p.m.

The CV Steak 9-ounce Filet Mignon is Certified Angus Beef grilled to order and served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato.

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Minden Meat & Deli: “Yukon Gold Tri-Tip”

1595 US Highway 395 N, Minden; 775-783-9999

Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Yukon Gold Tri-Tip comes from Creekstone Farms, a USDA Choice or higher Black Angus beef. It is trimmed then placed in Minden Meat & Deli’s pressure tumbler with its marinade for 25 minutes in which the Yukon Gold marinade is infused into the beef. Once ready, the tri-tip is ready to be purchased raw to take home and grill yourself or it is cooked at the deli and sliced thin for their signature tri-tip sandwiches. It is also available grilled and sliced a little thicker for catering events.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

While all of the finalists are certainly deserving, we realize there are plenty of great options across the Valley. Here are some of the remaining top vote-getters during the nomination round: